How to Install a New Bathroom Vanity and Sink

Plan your project

• Measure your space, including the width, height and depth requirements or limitations.
  • “Don’t forget to take into consideration keeping enough space available for door and drawer clearances, as well as walking paths,” Tuttleman says.
• Measure plumbing clearances and location of electrical outlets and switches.
• Sketch out a plan, or have the numbers handy when you purchase your vanity.
• Gather your materials and tools so you don’t have to run to the store in the middle of your project.

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Choose a faucet that fits your vanity

• Decide what kind of vanity, sink and faucet configuration is best for you.
  • “Space considerations play a big part in sink choice,” Tuttleman says. “Options include under-mount, drop-in, vessel or integrated sinks which are molded into the countertop.”
• Buy a faucet that’s compatible with your vanity and fits your aesthetic and desired handle configuration.
  • “A pre-manufactured vanity often dictates the number of faucet holes and their spacing,” Tuttleman says.

Disconnect plumbing

• Turn off the water supply at the valve under your sink or at the main shutoff.
• Place a bucket under the valve to catch water from the P-trap and supply lines.
• Disconnect the P-trap by loosening the slip nut with your hands, a pipe wrench or large tongue-and-groove pliers.
  • Don’t crank down too hard. Plumbing fittings will crack.
• Disconnect the water supply lines with an adjustable wrench or tongue-and-groove pliers.

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Remove the old vanity or pedestal sink

Enlist a helper for this part.

• Cut around the old sink or vanity with a utility knife to separate it from the drywall or tile.
• Remove any screws or bolts holding the vanity to the wall.
• Pull the existing vanity or sink away from the wall and set it aside.
• Paint or patch the wall if needed.

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Install faucet in the vanity

• Make it easy on yourself by installing the faucet in the countertop before installing the vanity.
• Add gaskets and insert the faucet and/or handles into the holes on the vanity countertop.
• Secure as indicated in your faucet instructions using the nuts that came with the faucet.

Pro tip: For best performance, look for faucets with solid brass components. “Some faucet manufacturers are now making internal components with plastic parts in order to keep prices down and reduce shipping costs,” Tuttleman says.

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Prep wall and vanity

• Slide vanity into place, and add shims until level.
• Mark the top and sides of the vanity lightly with a pencil.
• Remove the vanity and measure where the plumbing cutouts should be, using the pencil marks as references.
• Drill holes for plumbing connections using a hole saw.
• Find stud locations along the wall and mark them with a pencil.

Pro tip: My stud-finding tool of choice is a powerful, marble-sized magnet called a “stud ball.” Every electrician I know has one. No batteries are needed. Beware: This thing is strong.

Install vanity

• Follow all instructions that come with your vanity.
• Slide the vanity back into place. Shim and level.
• Attach the vanity to the wall by driving in 3 in. drywall screws into the studs.
• Snap or cut off excess shim length.
• Caulk the backsplash to prevent water intrusion, and add trim along the bottom if needed.

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Secure countertop to vanity (optional)

Some vanities are sold without the countertop attached.

• Test fit countertop on vanity. Remove.
• Apply a bead of silicone caulk or adhesive along the edge of the vanity (follow the vanity instructions to determine what caulk is best).
• Set the countertop on the vanity and press down.
• Allow the adhesive to cure before using the vanity.

Connect the water supply and P-trap

• Reconnect the water supply lines with an adjustable wrench or tongue-and-groove pliers.
  • If the lines have a rubber gasket, you don’t need Teflon tape.
• Reconnect the P-trap.
• Turn on the water and check for leaks.

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FAQs

What size vanity should I choose?

It depends. Powder rooms need a small vanity, perhaps as small as 18 inches across, while larger spaces can handle a 5-foot vanity. “Size considerations, if not evaluated correctly, can create serious issues down the road,” Tuttleman says, so really consider your options.

What features should I look for in a vanity?

Storage is a big one, and of course, quality workmanship. “Evaluate storage needs and choose a vanity with adequate storage options, such as drawers, open spaces or shelves that might be a great place to store towels,” Tuttleman says.

Are there any building codes or regulations I need to consider?

For a simple vanity swap, probably not. “If your project requires significant changes to plumbing, electrical wiring or structural changes to the bathroom, you may need a permit,” Tuttleman says. Check city codes before starting any DIY project.

About the Expert

Leah Tuttleman is an interior designer for Re-Bath, a leading bathroom remodeling company. She’s an Allied member of the American Society of Interior Designers, with 25 years of commercial and residential design experience.